Fine Mauser Kar 98 az for 1917…. (F1055) SOLD
Created on May 28th 2022
Very good Karbiner 98 az by Erfurt for 1917
Brought into service by Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Imperial German Army in January 1908. Mainly for use by the cavalry and the foot artillery. By 1914 the AZ was being carried by riflemen, infantry and pioneers. Sharpshooters were also using the diminutive carbine for their purposes. As motor transport started to take over those troops also favoured the carbine. Eventually the earliest of Stormtroopers were using them as their preferred weapon for fighting in the close quarters of the trenches. Wielding one of the longer Gew 98 rifles in close quarter combat gave the trooper no time for recovery should a parry or thrust go stray. The shorter Karbiner was far easier to use in close quarters and had lost none of the power of the 8mm cartridge. In fact the muzzle blast was its only drawback in practical terms.
This very good example is 43.1/4″ in overall length. The barrel is a nominal 24″ long. Trigger Pull to centre is 13″. Almost fully stock in a dark European Walnut one piece stock with semi-pistol grip and hand-guard over the barrel. The stock has 5″ finger grooves in either side of the fore-end. A recess for the flattened bolt handle. The butt is cross bored for the side mounting sling with front mounting point on the LHS of the mid-band. It is fitted with a bolt strip-down disc and re-enforced by a single cross bolt. The butt has a flat steel butt-plate which is slightly corroded. On the RHS of the butt-stock are the three Imperial cartouches, all with crowns. The large at the top is certainly the crowned “FW”, the second contains a large “B” this could be Bavaria, the third is much smaller and less distinguishable.
Further marks adorn the underside of the butt-stock. In front of the semi-pistol grip swelling are certainly two more marks, One containing a distinct “S” possibly for Saxony. Below the swelling is the serial number “3438” then more crowned cartouches. There are approximately three individual stamped letters within the indent for the sling – stock makers marks. Patina of the stock is extremely pleasing with figure within the comb of the stock. All the usual dents scratches and dings for a military rifle but nothing that detracts. High polish to the finish only achievable by age.
The crest of the receiver ring is marked as follows;- “Imperial Crown cypher / ERFURT / 1917” The outer action wall being marked in Gothic script “Kar 98.” Three Imperial inspection marks sit on the RHS of the receiver ring. The rifles full serial number “3438 gg” appear on the LHS of the receiver ring. Matching Mauser bolt with curved bolt arm and flattened cross-hatched bolt knob. The whole bolt bearing the serial numbers of the rifle, although the shroud number due to minor damage is difficult to read. The bolt has the typical three position flag safety at the rear and the bolt release to the rear LHS of the receiver is also marked “38” Bright finished magazine follower marked “38”. Magazine floorplate and trigger guard assembly all correctly marked. All parts of the furniture are marked with matching numbers.
The rear sights are graduated from 300 to 2000 meters and are of a flat sliding tangent type as opposed to the G98 Lange-Visier Type. Front inverted “V” type sight is guarded by steel ears. The front band assembly incorporates the slide on bayonet fitting and a stacking hook under. This rifle also comes with the sprung muzzle protector which an be removed but also guarded the crown against cleaning damage. Finish is lacking over the steel components as age and the rain of Flanders have got the better of it. The whole thing carries a silver grey to plumb brown patina about it. No signs of being disturbed by the keen armature. One of the most remarkable feature of the particular rifle is the condition of the bore. It is very very good to the naked eye. An excellent piece from a bitterly fought conflict. A piece of history that has survived to tell the tale – if you look closely enough.
It is understood that this rifle was captured and brought home by Frederick John Taddison. It remained in his family and passed down to his daughter as a wedding present in the 1960’s. Strange way to celebrate your daughters wedding ! It then remained forgotten in their attic until 2012.
Stock No F 1055
£ 995. SOLD
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